The oil and gas major BP has been named as Aberdeen’s commercial partner for its hydrogen ambitions. Hundreds of jobs might be produced in the next ten years if the city becomes a significant hydrogen hub, according to estimates. The cooperation with BP has now been accepted by Aberdeen Municipal Council’s city growth and resources committee. The Granite City already has a fleet of hydrogen-powered double-decker buses. Although BP is a big role in the fossil fuel business and has been chastised by environmentalists, the company insists on investing in renewables.

Greenpeace’s appeal against the UK government over a North Sea oil field permission was dismissed in October. BP was granted permission to drill the Vorlich site off the coast of Aberdeen in 2018. The Aberdeen Hydrogen Hub will contain a solar power facility coupled with a green hydrogen production and refueling facility, according to the plan. Green hydrogen is created using renewable energy sources rather than methods that emit greenhouse gases. Aberdeen City Council leader Jenny Laing said the announcement was significant because it supported the city’s Net Zero Vision and prepared the path for Aberdeen to become a world leader in the production of hydrogen-based green fuel and energy. BP’s UK national leader and senior vice president for Europe, Louise Kingham, said the business was committed to providing integrated energy solutions like the hydrogen hub. Heavy industries and heavy transportation, such as trucks, buses, and rail, are the most likely applications for hydrogen, at least initially.